Red Kayak

by Priscilla CummingsI like the moral dilemma depicted in this story. Does the main character do what is right or does he protect his friends? This is the universal question that nearly everyone faces.

A Step from Heaven

An NaThis Printz winner tells the story of being an immigrant in this country. The main character must cope with one culture at home and another at school. As her parent's translator she faces lots of difficulties and pressures.

Esperanza Rising

by Pam RyanThis is a powerful story about a huge change in a young girl's life as her family's economic status does declines. She goes from being very wealthy in Mexico to living as a migrant farm worker in the United States. Her strength and courage as she faces this devastating situation shows the power of the human spirit to overcome difficulty.

Soldier Boys

by Dean HughesThis follows the story of two boys going off to fight in World War II. One is American and one is German. I thought the author used the powerful device of showing the reader what was going on in the minds of enemy soldiers as they get ready to meet in battle.

Other Books

Please let me know other books I should post so we can have those threads to discuss.

Shoot the Moon

By Billie Letts
Again all I know is that I like the last book by Letts and think this may appeal to both. Again the author might be tough to get.

My Sister's Keeper a novel

This is by Jodi Picoult and again it was recommended but I have not read it. It is a YA novel. But a very popular author and maybe hard to get.

Life of Pi

This is by Yann Martel, it was recommended to me. It is an adult book some think fit for YA? Have any of you read it?

47

This is a blend of historical and speculative fiction, a powerful narrative about the nature of freedom. It shows you the brutality and degradation of slaves. In this book number 47, a fourteen-year-old slave boy growing up under the watchful eye of a brutal master in 1832, meets the mysterious Tall John, who introduces him to a magical science and also teaches him the meaning of freedom.

Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought it was funny, had a good message and even though it is very entertaining you learn about poetry, literature styles, short stories versus novels, and the value of books. Illiteracy is addressed through the difficulties that the main character, Scott's, older brother faces. Scott is a positive role model, but not a perfect child by any means.

Hattie Big Sky

This is a great book based on letters from Seattle author Kirby Larsen's great great grandmother, I believe. You learn about war, the struggle of life in a rough country, anti-semitism, being an orphan and more. I thought it was a great book but I am concerned that boys (our more relutant readers) would not buy in to reading it? What do you guys think?

Touching Spirit Bear

Here is an annotation for this book
After his anger erupts into violence, Cole, in order to avoid going to prison, agrees to participate in a sentencing alternative based on the native American Circle Justice, and he is sent to a remote Alaskan Island where an encounter with a huge Spirit Bear changes his life.

I think this book would appeal both to students and adults. The subject matter would lead to great discussion we have a good chance of booking the author. What do you think?